Forecasters warned temperatures could plunge to -15C (5F) by the end of the week with more snow on the way.

Asda Travel said last-minute bookings over the past month are up more than 70 per cent compared to last year.

In the past five weeks holiday bookings in general have risen by 38 per cent as Britons plan their escape from the British winter, it said..

Spokesman Nick Cockerill, said: “We know summer holidays with the family are always important to our customers, but it seems this latest spell of icy weather has prompted Brits to jet off earlier than usual.

“Great late deals away and beach holidays in warmer climes are proving too tempting giving families something to look forward to throughout the gloomy months.”

Thompson and First Choice holidays said the last three months have seen winter getaway bookings rise by three per cent while summer holidays have seen a nine per cent surge.

Director of holiday experience Ian Chapman said: “January is traditionally one of the most depressing times of the year and when the weather is bad, many people want a sunshine break to look forward to.

“Year after year we continue to see more people book early so they know they have at least a week away in warmer climes.”

A spokesman for travel association ABTA said: “January and February are traditionally peak summer holiday bookings season and this year looks to be no different.

“The lashings of rain and snow have made many people want to have some guaranteed sunshine to look forward to.”

Forecasters warned parts of the country could see another bout of winter showers this week as freezing winds sweep in from the East.

It said much of the UK is in for harsh frosts with snow showers possible along the Eastern coast.

Forecaster Charlie Powell said: “From Wednesday we are seeing cold air dragged in from eastern Europe, and this is going to make it feel cold.

“There are going to be some strong winds and the chance of snow in eastern regions, the main risk is going to be sharp frosts.

“Much of England and Wales is going to feel cold, especially with the strong winds.”

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said overnight temperatures could plunge as low as -15C this week.

He said the whole county faces a week of harsh frosts, icy roads and freezing fog.

He said: “The cold weather could last until next week with widespread severe overnight frosts, icy stretches of road and freeing fog in parts.

There is the risk of snow, but this is primarily going to be in the East and the South-east.

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services

“The cold will be driven by some really biting easterly winds which could push temperatures as low as -15C overnight.

“There is the risk of snow, but this is primarily going to be in the East and the South-east.”

Netweather warned snowfall could be seen as far south as Kent by the End of the week.

Forecaster Paul Michaelwaite said the next cold spell could last into next week.

He said: “Colder from Wednesday through to the end of the week across many areas, as a keen easterly wind develops, which will bring in a lot more cloud - thick enough in the east for some light rain, sleet or snow showers.

“Then it looks like staying cold next weekend and into early next week, with easterly winds continuing to bring a lot of cloud to central and eastern areas, thick enough for light snow at times towards eastern coasts.”